James E. Newton

American artist, 1941–2022

BiographyArtist, scholar, and educator, Newton was born in New Jersey and received his undergraduate degree in art from North Carolina Central University in 1966. He continued his studies at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, becoming the first African American to graduate with a masters of fine art degree. Following work at Atlantic Aviation as an interior designer and teaching at West Chester University, Newton embarked on further education and received his doctorate from Illinois State University. Returning to the Northeast, Newton directed the Black American Studies (now Africana Studies) at the University of Delaware for over two decades. Newton retired in 2005, becoming Emeritus Professor in Africana Studies at the University of Delaware. In addition to his teaching and directing duties, he served as a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Delaware State Advisory Committee, and his community service included membership on the boards of the Delaware State Arts Council, Delaware Art Museum, Tattnall School, and YMCA of Delaware. Newton frequently exhibited his work throughout the U.S. with solo and group exhibitions at Delaware State University, University of Delaware, High Museum of Art, and Christina Cultural Arts Center, among others.

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